Chapter 3: The Memories

Dumbledore and Charlus dived into the transparent medium to experience Harry"s past , 25 years of hell that Harry had been through was awaiting them. Harry followed them in the pensieve after reassuring Dorea that he would be okay, the memories were surely haunting and painful but he had walked through them several times. During his occlumency meditation he had to accept the truth, the dreadful truth that he was not a happy, mischievous, jovial or lighthearted person he ought to be in his childhood, he had tried his best to be like that for his first few years in Hogwarts but it didn't last long. He, of course, had confronted Tom's soul fragment and Tom Himself, in the form of possessed Quirrell, but still he had friends. Hermione, Ron, Neville, Fred, George and a few more.

Nonetheless, He adjoined Dumbledore and Charlus inside, taking up an impassive front for the whole ordeal.

-*Memories*-

Dumbledore watched the memories one by one, some of them were forbidden for him, but the rest were not. And, even those were haunting, a boy, from his birth untill his adolescence, fought Tom for 20 years straight. Lost his everything, even the last bit of hope wasn't in his fate. He watched as the boy, from the age of 11, started to defy and spoil Voldemort's plan of return for nearly 4 years, untill the man's ultimate return during the last phase of Tri-Wizard Tournament. That did sit accurate with Harry's luck or more precisely bad luck, he lost everyone he loved one by one.

Charlus's feelings didn't vary much from Dumbledore, Harry's life was a living hell from the day Voldemort decided to target James and Lily. The boy had fought creatures like Acromantula, Basilisk and Dementors during his first few years at Hogwarts. Charlus's anger was equally, and consciously, centralized toward Dumbledore, the man in question was unable to protect Harry even if it was his responsibility as the headmaster of the school. Dumbledore, after the death of Lily and James, had taken up the role of Magical Guardian for Harry by his own accord. However, He failed miserably every time as a guardian nonetheless as a teacher.

Things went worse after the return of Dark wizard, through first few years Harry's close friends and acquaintances were targeted, particularly. He lost his first friend in the form of Cedric Diggory, then Dumbledore himself with Sirius, and the rest fell at the hands of Death eaters and Dark creatures as the memory played forward.

Sirius was a more of a father figure than Harry had ever anticipated. In his time Sirius didn't die in the Department of mysteries, instead he had lived, untill and uptill Dumbledore had lived. Sirius was killed by Rudolphus LeStrange during the battle of Astronomy tower, Harry was shocked and broken beyond repair.

The last straw came in the form of the death of Harry's surrogate son, Teddy Lupin-Potter. Dumbledore and Charlus watched in horror as Teddy was mutilated and killed by Voldemort. Something shattered inside the boy of no more than mere 19 years of age, his personality and magic responded accordingly to the devastating loss. One should never dare to harm young ones of a creature, moreover of a human or a Wizard for top. Teddy was more of a son to Harry than he could realize, he had nurtured the boy untill then very delicately. Harry had taken up the babe when he was of a tender age of ten months after the untimely death or rather murder of Andromeda Tonks. Harry potter died inside out that day, what emerged out after the burial of Teddy was a monster. A monster that had killed, mutilated, punished and terrorized Death eaters and Dark creatures with a passion.

Charlus dared a glance toward Harry and saw the impassive front, his scars made sense, his aura made sense, how he held himself made sense. He was no bare teenager that had the bad luck of stumbling in mid of a war, no, he was a man far more dangerous and wounded than Charlus had assumed at first glance. Harry had not been able to acquire the same amount of power Dumbledore possessed at his respective peak, however his lack of a definite power made him more formidable. He was creative and brutal in his own way, his arsenal was full of both Light and Dark spells. Earth and Water bend as per his will, even Fire or Wind didn't dared to defy his orders. His magic developed into something that only a few known wizards were capable enough to wield properly.

They saw as the end came near, the fight between Harry and Voldemort was a true showdown. Harry didn't had the upper hand from the start even if he was able to decimate Tom's army of Death eaters and other creatures, though some of the death eaters didn't went down easily. Tom was a different case entirely. The fight wasn't pleasant for Harry, not all of it. Harry was hit by Cruciatus curse a few times and other nasty jinxes, Both men watching the showdown from pensieve were appalled when they saw Harry enduring a Killing curse.

The next part of the memory was not allowed to Dumbledore, Harry had been careful throughout. He hadn't let the elder man see the location of Horcruxes or hints leading up to it. Only exception was the diary, as it cannot be hidden for long. Charlus watched as Dumbledore or rather Harry's guardian spirit explained him about the Horcrux, if he heard right, one of them was latched to Harry's soul. Harry returned from the dead and fought the man valiantly, still he was no more powerful than Tom. He struggled for most of the fight, It was Voldemort's own curse that backfired. Dumbledore and Charlus were both shocked and amazed as Harry explained Voldemort how the elder wand, one of three Deathly Hallows, was dutiful for him much anterior to the battle of Hogwarts. Voldemort had perished, not killed as his soul was already tainted by the use of Horcruxes, but Harry's victory wasn't without cost. They saw as Harry fell on his knees and cried his heart out, his magic responded to his emotions started thrashing around like a whip, several whips. The remaining Death eaters didn't dared to near him instead they fled, dreading they would be the next target of his anguish. Contrary to that statement, he chose not to follow them, for not a single prominent death eater was alive to hunt.

Scene shifted as Harry returned to 12 Grimauld place, a house he had unwillingly favored as a hideout. The house had a number of dillusional charms and protective enchantments draped over, given it was once the Headquarters for now dissolved and bygone Order of the phoenix, making it a suitable place for a fallback after a successful hunting day. The last memory was that of Harry jumping off the bridge to attempt suicide, Charlus and Dumbledore blanched at the point Harry jumped off without hesitation, exhibiting his desperation to end the story.

-*End of Memories*-

Charlus emerged out of the memory followed by Dumbledore and Harry, He staggered a little and grasped the side of the stone basin to support himself. He looked toward Harry with tear filled eyes before moving toward his chair he was seated at before, not trusting his legs to keep standing after the gruesome scenes he had encountered. He slouched down on his chairs. Dorea was alarmed by his sudden gloomy behaviour, She glanced toward Dumbledore who wasn't fairing any better, searching something in his cupboard frantically. He returned to his seat behind the desk with a bottle of Firewhisky, two glasses were conjured and red liquid was poured in. He slided one toward Charlus, who looked up toward him with unhidden loathe but nonetheless downed the drink in one gulp. Meanwhile, Harry had taken his seat by Dorea, he watched them exchange drinks and diverted his attention toward Fawkes to avoid questions from her.

Dorea knew her husband wasn't the one to share drinks with anyone else except his few friends, much less to Dumbledore. She also noted Harry had already diverted his focus toward the phoenix, probably to avoid question.

"Would you tell me what did you see in his memories, it could not be pleasant if you're drinking Firewhisky openly" She peered toward Charlus seeking answers.

"It's...It's just, I can't...explain it" He sighed at his lost of words, he stared toward Harry. "How?" He asked, his voice bumpy due the lump formed in his throat.

"Huh?" Harry asked confusingly.

"I mean.. How are you...still alive? How are you still alive after enduring so much, any man I know, would not be able to live through even half of that" asked Charlus softly.

"I don't know...I just did what I had to. Survival is what I am good that, so I do that" Harry answered calmly.

"Survival?.." Dorea frowned at the word glancing toward Harry.

"No guess, you tried to jump off the bridge" muttered Charlus diverting his eyes toward the glass in his hand.

"WHAT DID HE DO?" Dorea asked in a fury stricken voice standing up in the process, she looked between Charlus and then Harry for the moment.

"Calm down Lady Potter, The boy did have reasons to do something like that" Dumbledore tried to calm her down.

"I don't care about reasons, nothing give him leverage to attempt something like that" She shot back to Dumbledore, her voice laced with anger.

Harry interrupted her remorsefully "Why do you care? Its non of your concern" a lump found its place in his throat after Dorea's display of care toward him.

She stalked toward him eyeing him dangerously, Harry stood up seeing Dorea's furios expression fearing he had made a dangerous mistake. Charlus and Dumbledore tried to stop Dorea but lagged behind. Harry had turned his head to side to avoid confrontation with her, she stalked to him and pulled his ears sternly.

"Don't you dare use that tone with me Harry, I don't care if you're 16 years old or 30. This is the first and last time you dared to talk like that to me, Understood?" she asked strictly.

"Yes" he replied meekly, he certainly didn't wanted to face an angry Dorea in near future. If she could challenge his grandfather then it will definitely not end well for him.

"Now, please sit down, we have a lot to discuss" Dumbledore tried to dissolve the situation.

The three Potters retook their seats.

"Now, for the first part" begun Dumbledore as he looked up toward Harry. "You can't hide you identity Harry, anyone could distinguish you as a Potter pretty easily and there aren't a lot of Potters in Wizarding world" Dumbledore clarified.

"We will take him in" declared Charlus with determination

"No" Harry denied quickly, as soon as he said that two stern gaze were directed toward him from Charlus and Dorea. "I mean, I don't want to create problems for you, It is necessary to stop Tom and I don't want anyone of you to get in between, he is ruthless and would target anyone close to me to get to me" Harry tried to lessen the responsibilities on himself, after teddy he didn't felt he was one to be trusted. Good as Harry was, He blamed himself for the dead of little boy, if Teddy had maintained a distance with him Voldemort might not have targeted him as per Harry's say.

"It may be as you say, but we wouldn't let you face him alone. I don't care if you had been fighting with him from your birth, the moment you revealed yourself as our grandson, you were one of us." replied Charlus.

"And, We don't abandoned our family" added Dorea.

"No, but..." His words died throat as Charlus and Dorea looked toward him expectantly. Dorea's eyes almost pleading him, while Charlus's did show the same but discretely.

Harry sighed heavily "You wouldn't let me go alone, would you?" he asked shaking his head.

"Nope" they replied in unison.

Dumbledore was smiling gently while looking in between the trio's conversation.

"As you have accepted to take him in we should think about a cover story, time travel isn't most sane explanation to give" mused Dumbledore stroking his beard gently.

"We could introduce him as a twin of James, they could easily pass as twins" suggested Charlus after considering a little.

"Wouldn't people suspect that? A new son appearing out of nowhere isn't a promising answer either" Harry reasoned with him.

"No, It wouldn't be that suspicious. We, Potters, are known as a secret family already, even James was revealed after 10 years of his birth" replied Charlus smiling proudly.

"Huh? That's strange" commented Harry confusingly. "What about dad? He would surely demand an explanation for all of this" asked Harry concerned.

"That, We can handle" answered Charlus. "You would appear as a twin of James that was sent abroad for studies due to your exceptional magical abilities" explained Charlus and glanced toward Dorea. "We know he always wanted a sibling, we hope he doesn't react badly to the news" mused Charlus.

"He wouldn't, I know him. He would be far more happy to dismiss the opportunity" Dorea reassured him.

"Thus, it's set we would introduce you as our son." Charlus clapped his hand together in anticipation. "Though, That does sounds like a lot of paperwork from ministry, I would also have to provide two witnesses to confirm your birth" Charlus shook his head tiredly, Media would go into chaos after learning this news.

"I would be glad to stand as a witness" Dumbledore offered calmly.

"Arcturus would also agree, if asked" Charlus said to himself.

"Mr Black? I don't suggest you to consider him for such delicate matters, He isn't the most noble individual for such Instances" Dumbledore intervened firmly.

"I agree with him, I don't think anyone with a black surname, except Sirius, could be trusted for such delicate matters" Harry agreed with the old wizard, Black family wasn't the most noble family in the Wizarding Britain, not in wealth ofcourse but morals.

Dorea was about to retort against the comments passed on her maiden family but Charlus beat her to it. "I appreciate your concern for our family Albus and would love your help as a witness, however I must divulge, Arcturus doesn't affiliate as bad person if he doesn't agree with your ideology"

Dumbledore just settled for calculative gaze toward Harry before refocusing on Fawkes.

Charlus turned toward Harry to continue "And, I know you didn't had the most pleasant interaction with Black Family, Harry. I can't deny that some of them are crack pots" at this point he glanced toward Dorea as to confirm she wasn't offended by the sentence. "However, not all of them are same. Take your grandmother as an example, she is the most kind hearted and gentle person I ever came across. Similarly, Arcturus was my comrade in the last war against Grindlewald" explained Charlus.

"Grindlewald? I didn't knew you been in a war" Harry questioned confused.

"Well, didn't you say you only came to know about us from Sirius" Charlus answered eyeing Dumbledore firmly.

Harry nodded in response.

"I don't suspect your decision even a little bit, but I wouldn't be comfortable around them. It's just, except Sirius they were all pureblood maniacs, trying to assert blood purity everywhere" argued Harry.

"Alas, I can't deny your claim, they are one of the few families that goes all over blood purity. What other alternatives can you suggest? It's not like we have several options to choose from." Charlus sighed and looked over to Dorea for suggestion.

"I may have a suggestion" Dorea considered for a moment before replying. "Augusta would agree to vouch for you, would just need some persuasion"

"Augusta would but Alphard needs to be told beforehand" Charlus met his wife gaze.

"Obviously, For now that ends the matter for your birth documents" Charlus said facing Harry. "I would send papers for you to sign day after tomorrow, untill then Harry is not to be discussed to anyone" Charlus stated glancing toward Dumbledore for briefest of the moment.

Dumbledore responded by an affirmative nod, rooting out papers for birth were not a problem when you're the Lord of a prominent house.

"Only you know about Harry's past other than us, if I hear a single word about his person from an individual outside this room, you could guarantee I would come for you" Charlus threatened him bluntly. Harry was both a little unnerved and awestruck by his grandfather's tone of conversation. He had never seen anyone talking to the headmaster like this, moreover Dumbledore flinched a little in response before nodding in acceptance. This further steeled his doubts that Charlus Potter was a very strong and formidable wizard, a man that even Dumbledore avoided to confront.

"Now, Harry" Charlus turned to Harry again and his demeanor changed instantly toward the calmer side. "Do you have any other luggage? You didn't even told us where you were staying"

"I am staying in Leaky cauldron, I have a trunk and few other belongings there" replied Harry.

"That's quite the distance" Charlus faced Dorea before continuing "I think you should return to the manor, love. James has to be informed about Harry as quickly as possible, and he would take the news better if you deliver it. We could frame it as Harry being on the gifted side and we had to separate them to teach him about controlling his abilities, that way our regular trips will also fall in perfectly." Charlus suggested Dorea.

He turned toward Dumbledore to address "You would also recite the same story to anyone who asks you after I put him infront, the media would get a sniff of him anyway, it would be beneficial for us to reveal his story ourselves to avoid any disturbance."

He glanced back toward Dorea to continue.

"Don't worry, I and Harry would return to manor as soon as he collects his belongings" he added.

"That would be great, but don't assume that you are relieved, I want a thorough summary of the events you have watched in that pensieve" Dorea bit back in a pointed tone.

"Of course, Dorea. You couldn't possibly be doubtful of me, could you love?" Charlus asked softly.

"Your charismatic tone doesn't affect me Charlus dear, I will wait for you and Harry in study room." She disappeared through the floo in Orange flames.

"That woman.." Charlus chuckled as he shook his head.

"She seems scary sometimes, only sometimes though" Harry added.

"She does, doesn't she?" Charlus added with a grin.

"We should move on now. By the way, How did you traveled to the castle. You're only 16, wizards below the age of 17 aren't allowed to apparate" Charlus asked as he looked toward him.

"No, I am not allowed to apparate but I can, albeit the anti-apparation wards are quite nasty around the school. Plus, I didn't wanted ministry agents breathing on my neck when I don't possess any identification documents. I used the floo network to travel" Harry explained him.

"If I may intervene, How do you know about wards, Mr potter?" Dumbledore asked interfering in the conversation. Untill now both men were ignoring the man's presence in favour of their conversation.

"These wards are being used for a few centuries, aren't they?" He inquired and Dumbledore said a "Yes" in response. "They will continue to be used untill any future headmaster disables them, sir" Harry replied back. In his time the wards stopped working after Dumbledore's demise, cause he hadn't chosen a successor before his death. After his untimely demise, Professor McGonagall wasn't able to decipher the spells and runes used for the wards before her death.

Harry continued after musing for some moments "On the side note, I would advise you against engaging or prying about Tom. That would ruin our advantage of surprise on him, You have seen the dark artifacts he had created that made him near immortal" Harry stopped for a moment to consider again. "If threatened he would decrease the timing for his fore long plans, and believe me we're not ready for that" Harry warned him.

"I find myself agreeing with you, Tom was surely a cunning and resourceful student, if threatened he could find an another method to achieve immortality" Dumbledore agreed.

"Again, you shouldn't try to locate those artifacts based on my memory, those artifacts are protected by nasty curses and wards. I have seen men dying because they tried to handle them without accurate knowledge" He added.

What an irony it was, Harry was recalling Dumbledore's own demise as he warned the man against the mishandling of Horcruxes'. The old wizard had nearly died in quest of Slytherin locket, if not for a bit of luck and quick thinking they both would have died in that accursed cave.

"I appreciate your care for me Harry, I assure you that I wouldn't indulge more into these things, if that could help us against Tom" Dumbledore accepted with a smile.

Charlus settled a firm nod with Dumbledore as he and Harry head out of the chamber to exit the castle. They walked out in the field crossing the wards that held the castle hidden from sight, Charlus placed his hand firmly on his shoulder and apparated with a nod.

(_-_-_X_-_-_)

Dorea entered the manor through the floo stationed in Charlus's study. She walked out of the room locking it on her way out, Charlus will enter the mansion from the front gates as usual. She descended down the stairs and entered the kitchen to make a cup of black coffee to relieve some of the stress accumulated through the meeting, She was sure whatever Charlus had seen in Harry past wasn't pleasant. His grim mood and stiff posture were an indication toward the worse, he hid it well but Dorea knew Charlus better. Not to forget his careless and sham consumption of alcohol with a man he couldn't see eye to eye with at the first place.

The train of her thoughts travelled toward Harry, the boy was truly a replica of his father. He did had his distinctiveness but not keen enough to be noticed by everyone, she couldn't help but feel motherly for the boy. His sudden stiffness from her touch wasn't left unnoticed by her, She herself was a retired healer. She had seen several cases of traumas and abuses, her experience concluded that the boy had incurred both, and that too at a sincere extent. The scars on his face did not tell the story of a happy growing young man, rather of a boy who had to fight to even merely survive. Another thing that bothered her was the news that James didn't lived a long life, death was inevitable, but that didn't meant James has to die young. He should grow old with a lot of grandchildren for her and a loving wife, however the current debacle was to introduce him to Harry.

She didn't doubt that Charlus could handle this whole situation, he was far more capable that he showed. Still, a second set of eyes couldn't harm. She walked out of the kitchen and entered the adjoining room, that was living room, two letters had to be delivered. One to her brother and another to her friend, but informing James was her priority right now

"Maise?" she called the house elf, who arrived shortly with a pop.

"Tell James to meet me in the living room at urgent" Dorea ordered as the elf popped out following a nod.

It was only after a minute or so that James walked into the room at a leisure pace, She still couldn't believe how similar both boys looked. While if considering the differneces in two, James had a confident or more precisely an arrogant personality that Harry lacked, he was confident in himself but not arrogant. She noticed a streak of black hairs peeking from the door, she chuckled under breath at the obvious.

"You could join us Sirius, I don't suppose you've informed Walburga of your sneak" Dorea said in a motherly tone.

Sirius grinned innocently as he joined James quickly, Dorea was seated on the sofa and signalled them to take a seat.

"Maise?" she called again as the house elf appeared.

"Bring two cup of hot chocolate for them" She popped out and returned the next moment with two cups of hot chocolates.

"Thanks Maise" James accepted the cup handing the other to Sirius.

Maise flushed a little at the appraisal before returning to her duties.

"So, I need to tell you something important, James" Dorea begun, she fiddled a little with her cup trying to think of a proper way to describe the circumstances without revealing something she shouldn't. "Have you ever felt that the pattern of our monthly trips was strange?" she said meeting his gaze.

"It may sound a little crazy but I did suspect something was odd with those trips" James intervened his expression still serious. "I mean, who goes on search for wild animals for weeks and doesn't return with more than one species"

"You did!?" Dorea asked a little eased up, this revelation did made her job easier.

"Yep, I had also shared it with Sirius" James said pointing toward the other boy.

Sirius shook his head in response.

"Well, Your suspicions were somewhat correct." Dorea replied meeting his gaze.

"Excuse me, Aunt Dorea. If it's family business I shouldn't be here, I would go out and wait for James" Sirius intervened feeling a little uncomfortable.

"No, You don't need to go out Sirius. Even if it may a family matter you're more than welcome to join us" She reassured him with a soft smile.

"So, What is it?" James getting a little impatient.

"As I was saying, Those trips were not searches for magical creatures that you father loves" Dorea begun morphing a truth into a lie. "During those trips we used to meet up with a family members of ours"

"Don't tell me you have an another brother like Grandfather, the whole Black family would go into chaos" Sirius cut in with a smirk on his face.

"It's not a joking matter Sirius, be quiet untill I have completed" Dorea scolded him. Sirius sat up straight, It was rare for Dorea to get angry at their jokes.

"So, Who is this family member, mum?" James asked sincerely.

"We haven't told you something related to your birth, because of safety purposes. You may not know but, You were not born as a single child" Dorea started and James face took a more serious front, if that was possible. "I had twins, One was you and the other one named as Harry"

Sirius shifted a little uncomfortably.

She looked back at James. "Harry was the elder one of you two, He was healthier and was born with unseen magical abilities. We had to transfer him abroad so that he could learn to control his powers, We didn't revealed it to you as his magical abilities had tendencies to overhaul his control" Dorea falsified the situation as genuinely as she can.

James tensed for a moment "So, Is he okay? I mean, nothing happened to him, right?" he asked.

"No..No, Relax. He is all fine, its just he has completed his training and wil be returning today with your father" she answered with a smile.

James smiled for the first time looking toward Sirius, the other boy nodded in agreement.

"Aren't you bothered that we didn't told you before? I mean, we feared you would be angry at us for holding such information back" Dorea inquired nervously.

"Well... Yeah. I am angry, but I can understand if his magic was out of control. I mean we have read about certain situations..." James looked up toward Dorea with kind eyes. "Is h-he a Ob-Obscurial ?" James diverted his eyes to the floor as soon as the words left his mouth.

"NO, He's certainly not." Dorea responded hastily. She understood James views, she placed her cup on the table beside and moved closer to James. "He is not a Obscurial, James. He is as normal as us, Only his magic is far more stronger. As a result he had difficulty while controlling it"

James nodded in agreement while Sirius patted his back as a sign of support.

"Does he know about me?" James asked looking up toward her.

"Yes, He does know about you." She begun but soon a frown found its place on her face. "But, I must inform you that he hadn't had a similar upbringing like you. Thus, I suggest you deal him with some patience, give him some time he'll come around."

"Untill then, not a single attempt to prank him unless he is comfortable with those, and again, don't prank-hex him like you do to this idiot" Dorea said pointing toward Sirius, who let out a 'Hmpf' in response with a pout.

She continued "Moreover, don't be intimidated by his scars or physical built. He has just followed up your father in physical approach and is a more of a adventure seeker than you" She concluded.

"He has scars?" James asked worriedly.

"And, You are saying that he is taller than us?" Sirius asked with an unknown expression.

Dorea just nodded in response to their questions.

(_-_-_X_-_-_)

Charlus apparated with Harry infront of the Leaky Cauldron, he noticed that Harry didn't felt the need to empty his stomach that means his claim was right.

"Ah, Here we are" Charlus said and motioned Harry to lead him. He also casted a glamour charm on himself to hide his identity, occurrence of Lord Potter with a boy that was distinctively similar to a Potter would surely tip off some lids.

Harry entered the bar with a man in a tow, several pair of eyes followed him as he gave a short nod to Tom and took the stairs to the first floor. Harry led Charlus to his room, the room wasn't much spacious. It was acceptable for one night stay but not as prolonged accommodation option.

Harry collected his belongings, that were a few clothes that he had discarded before leaving for Hogwarts. He had burned down his old clothing in the washroom as they were worse for wear and too modern for the time, even if usable.

"Relax, Harry. Sit down, We need to talk first" Charlus said softly, stopping Harry in his frantic attempt to collect his belongings.

Harry sat down on the bed as Charlus took a seat beside him and put his hand on his back to soothe him.

"You should let it out, son." Charlus advised him gently.

"Huh?" Harry tried his best to sound confusing, he didn't simply wanted anyone see him crying. He knew he was holding down his emotions from the time he saw his grandparents and Dumbledore. Regardless of his manipulative self, Dumbledore still was one of the only people who cared for him.

"Don't pent up your emotions, Harry. It's neither healthy for your mind nor for your Magic" Charlus tried again to made him go out.

It didn't take Harry much time to start releasing his emotions, but it did take him quite some time to release it all. By the time he was done Charlus handed him a tissue to clean.

"Relax, Harry. This wouldn't go out" Charlus chuckled a little to appraise his mood.

Harry nodded in response, thankful for a companion that will not judge him for his soft side. He stood up momentarily and unshrunk his Trunk, he then took out his blue over coat to drape it over his shoulder and reshrunk the trunk to pocket it.

They walked down to the bar out of the room after Charlus reapplied his glamour, they walked out of the pub as Harry had already paid his accommodation and food bill.

"We have to apparate again, this will be long one so bear with me" Charlus said and put his hand on Harry's shoulder to disappear moments later.

They appeared at a green field spread across what looked like a small hill, Harry could see outlines of a forest in the East, not so far away.

"There's no home anywhere here" A confused Harry looked toward Charlus.

"Ah Yes, So the Fidelus charm on the mansion is as strong as ever" Charlus agreed with Harry.

"A Fidelus? It must be quite strong if the presence is entirely null" Harry muttered thoughtfully.

"Presence? Fidelus charm is supposed to hide it, Harry" Charlus replied confused a little at Harry's comment.

"Yes, it's supposed to. However, after a thorough study on the spell I was able to sense the magic used in it" Harry explained, Charlus mouth fell agape, to be able to draw presence of Fidelus charm was too far fetched. "Although, It doesn't mean I could see the house or enter it by any means. I just come to know a house is there, that's it. Nothing more could be done, as the spells wouldn't recognise it"

"Thank Goodness! For a moment there you gave me an heart attack. Fidelus charm is for a reason one of the most difficult spells to master, it's impressive that you can even sense its presence" Charlus shook his head in amazement.

"For now, you should have this" Charlus handed a parchment to Harry, that read; Charlus Potter welcomes you to the Potter manor, located at the east of Severnly hills.

A manor appeared out of thin air, spread across half the hill and touching the forest at one side. The gates opened to a front yard that had a fountain in middle with a statue of Griffin holding a sword and a wand in each hand. The grass field stretched below the stone pavement that was adjoined with the fountain and Manor. He could see stable at the left side of him and gate at right that enters the backyard.

"You don't have to worry now, You'll remember the place. The wards across the property will accept you as a Potter, thus making your entry unrestricted" They walked passed the fountain toward the gate.

Charlus touched the front gate that opened on contact and led him inside.

"Maise?" Charlus called.

With a pop a house elf arrived, she was dressed neatly unlike the dingy clothes that Dobby used to wear.

"Take Harry's luggage to the room beside James', He is my elder son whom you haven't met untill now, Maise" Charlus said gesturing toward Harry.

The house elf looked toward him with her big curious eyes, she took his hand and nodded in satisfaction.

"His magic feeling mores like Missus Potter than yous, but a connection is being theres" Maise took his luggage and vanished the next moment.

"That does it, Dorea should be in study we should find her and James" He followed him to the room.

As he entered his eyes caught those of three people inside, for moment his breathe hitched and he felt suffocating. Infront of him was very young and alive James potter, his father and Sirius Black, his adoptive father. Since, Sirius didn't die in the Battle of Department of Mysteries, he had adopted Harry in the following summers. Though they didn't got much time to kindle their relationship due Sirius's sudden death in battle of Astronomy tower. But, Short as much their relationship would be Sirius didn't left a chance to pamper Harry.

To see Sirius alive in flesh and blood, he had to reassemble his occlumency shields to drop down the surging emotions. His eyes then fell upon the other boy, his real father, the one who had sacrificed his life to give time to his mother and him. He had conversed with the man with the help of resurrection stone for advice during his mad hunt of Death eaters, His father was a prominent Hit-Wizard during the first wizarding war with 25 capture and 14 kills in his records, although Sirius's record was better than him with 30 kills and 25 captures.

It showed that Sirius didn't hesitated in using lethal spells, not particularly Dark but lethal. It also questioned Barty Crouch's judgements of Sirius without a trial, how can one of the most fearsome Hit-Wizard with an unmatched record was convicted as a traitor, a Death eater. As for his father, he did restrained himself from killing if unnecessary.

Harry had used Sirius' experience as an advantage as he persuaded him for training sessions.

James facial expressions were same as Harry, nervous and astonished at the same time. Harry's face was so similar to James that it wasn't even funny, Sirius averted his eyes between James and Harry several time before he slumped back on the sofa to hold his shock. There was no doubt left that Harry and James were twins, but the scar on Harry face and lack of glasses did help to differentiate them.

Dorea and Charlus looked between the boy to experience their first reaction toward the other, Charlus knew how hard this was for Harry. To further impress him Harry was the first to break a conversation.

"Hi James, It's nice to meet you after so long" Harry said smiling genuinely.

"H-Hello, It's nice too meet you too" James blurted out as soon as he can.

Harry moved forward toward James with and out-stretched hand, and it was a damn funny sight. Harry waking toward James with and out-stretched hand, who was on the other side of the room, but considering the sudden introduction of a sibling in James life and Harry's first real interaction with his father nobody bothered voicing it out. Sirius just looked toward them with blank face, still not believing the similarities between both the boys.

Instead of shaking hands, James pulled him into a hug. The unexpected touch made him lose his senses, he just lost into it same as child in a father arms. But, the feeling didn't concede, the man, or rather boy, infront of him was not his father, not yet. He was a younger version of his father, and that was not a bad change for Harry. He didn't need a father, his father was the Sirius Black of the future in all but blood. He had lost his father and there was no returning from dead. No, these people were not ones he knew, his father and Godfather had both died protecting him.

For the first time after his voyage to past his senses made him aware what death words truly conspired. He could save the future, save his parents but he couldn't bring them back. The cost of his revenge was truly a curse in disguise of a boon. He ended the hug and backed away from James, not meeting his eyes instead meeting Sirius'.

"And, Who might you be?" Harry asked curiously, hiding his grimance on the sight familiar pair of grey eyes.

"Sirius, Sirius Black, it's nice to meet you Harry, I am James best friend." Sirius said offering his hand.

Harry grabbed it and shook it firmly. Intending to play him, Harry added "Nice meeting you, Mr Black"

Sirius looked around himself trying to locate either his grandfather or father, for nobody ever addressed him as Mr Black. It was always "Sirius".

"Who? Me? Mr Black?" Sirius ask Incredulously.

"Yes, I thought you're the eldest son in the Black family, so you would inherit the lordship after your grandfather" Harry escalated the play forward.

Sirius went blank, he blinked a few times looking at Harry's face.

"Stop pulling his leg, Harry" Dorea sighed befre she got up from her seat and patted on his shoulder gently.

"You should see your face Sirius. "Huh?" Who" Me?". That was epic!" James laughed wholeheartedly.

"Don't ever joke like that, I don't want that Lordship. I don't fancy being next Lord Black" Sirius spat at the last sentence. Harry smirked to himself, even now Sirius views on blood purity were not inclined.

"That's was perfect, Harry" James draped his arm over Harry's shoulder. He would have stiffen at the contact but the last minute thoughts had struck him hard, there were not from his time.

"Let's go to kitchen and hear some of his stories, while we have dinner. You're staying, aren't you Sirius?" The boy in question nodded and headed toward the kitchen for further conversation.

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter; All rights are reserved to JK Rowling.